Dental implants are the go-to choice for replacing missing teeth. Implants have become an increasingly popular alternative to past treatments such as bridges and crowns. The right dental implant aftercare tips will ensure implants can last forever. They’re durable, standalone and need no neighbouring support. There’s no impact on how your mouth functions either so simply continue to eat, chew and speak normally.
Dental implants are a great cosmetic investment, but whilst this all sounds great, just like your natural teeth, implants also need taking care of. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some dental implant aftercare tips that’ll help keep your implant strong and durable for longer.
Regular Check-Ups
Do not underestimate the importance of regular check-ups. The dentist is best placed to determine the health of your implant and offer recommendations and remedies to keep it that way. At a check-up appointment, the dentist can clean stubborn areas that aren’t reachable with a soft-bristle brush. A check-up every six months is recommended.
Perform Strong Oral Hygiene
Maintaining a strong and positive oral routine will prolong the success of dental implant treatment. This means brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day and making sure you do not eat any solids close to the surgical area for a small period. Once the implant settles accordingly, you can eat what you like. Although, ensure you regularly wash your mouth with lukewarm water to keep the mouth clean from bacteria. You should also avoid alcohol or tobacco products. An implant doesn’t need special aftercare. If you follow strong oral routine tips and treat the implant as you would with your natural teeth, that’s all that’s needed.
Change Your Diet
There are three key things you should do regularly to keep your implant strong; drink plenty of clear fluids, avoid consuming sugar and eat more calcium-rich foods such as vegetables, nuts, fish and dairy foods. If you’ve recently had an implant fitted, stick to soft foods and clear water until the anaesthetic wears off and the implant settles.
Reduce Swelling Faster
Swelling is likely to occur after implant treatment. It is recommended that you place an ice pack on the side of your cheek of the affected area for ten minutes at a time frequently throughout the day. The swelling should calm down after a few days.
Stem Any Bleeding
Bleeding may also be common after implant treatment. The dentist will provide a gauze pad to bite down on. When doing this, a blood clot will begin to form and stem the bleeding. If after two or three days the bleeding continues, contact the dentist immediately.
Why These Implant Aftercare Tips Are Important…
Following these dental implant aftercare tips for your dental implant will help the implant settle quickly and for you to resume your natural activities. Remember, regular cleaning of your implant through strong oral hygiene improves its lifespan. There are no special dental implant aftercare tips. Regularly consult the dentist for advice and support alongside performing strong oral hygiene at home and this will ensure your implant stays healthy for the long-term.
Are you a dental implant patient seeking further advice for the best results? Ashwood Dental is ready to offer the best expertise and advice you need. Contact us now and let our specialist team help you today!
